Topical Bible: Joy of Saints, Made Full by Abiding in Christ

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The concept of joy in the life of a believer is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the New Testament. This joy is not merely an emotional response to favorable circumstances but a deep-seated sense of well-being and contentment that arises from a relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy of the saints is made full by abiding in Christ, a truth that is richly illustrated in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles.

Abiding in Christ

The term "abiding" suggests a continuous, intimate relationship with Christ. In John 15:4-5, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of this abiding relationship: "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing" . This passage highlights the vital connection between the believer and Christ, where abiding in Him is essential for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.

Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit

The joy of the saints is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" . This joy is not self-generated but is a result of the Holy Spirit's work within the believer. It transcends circumstances and is rooted in the eternal truths of God's promises and presence.

Fullness of Joy in Christ

Jesus speaks directly to the fullness of joy that comes from abiding in Him in John 15:11: "I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete" . The joy that Jesus offers is complete and fulfilling, a joy that the world cannot give or take away. It is a joy that is anchored in the assurance of His love, the certainty of His promises, and the hope of eternal life.

Joy in Trials

The joy of the saints is not diminished by trials or suffering. James 1:2-3 encourages believers to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" . This perspective is possible because of the believer's abiding relationship with Christ, which provides strength and hope in the midst of adversity.

Joy in Fellowship with Believers

The joy of the saints is also experienced in the fellowship of believers. In 1 John 1:3-4, the apostle John writes, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write these things so that our joy may be complete" . The shared faith and mutual encouragement among believers contribute to the fullness of joy.

Eternal Joy

Finally, the joy of the saints is ultimately fulfilled in the promise of eternal life with Christ. In Revelation 21:3-4, the apostle John describes the ultimate joy of the saints: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away'" . This eternal joy is the culmination of the believer's journey of faith, made possible by abiding in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 15:10,11
If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Joy
... The oil of joy makes the wheels of obedience move faster ... How fervently did they pray,
whom God made joyful in the ... it is a taste of that which the saints have in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

Our Requests Made Known unto God
... we know that our requests had been made known unto ... the trials of life cannot prevent
the saints from singing ... rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 2 our requests made.htm

Twenty-Fifth Lesson. At that Day;'
... new, entirely different from what Old Testament saints had known ... Christ's prayers
become ours, and ours are made His: we ... that we may receive that our joy may be ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/twenty-fifth lesson at that day.htm

Christ Pleads his Will
... which thou gavest me to do." He made no mention ... His joy in bringing many sons unto
glory enabled Him ... High, and ever lives to make intercession for His saints. ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 14 christ pleads his.htm

Consolation in Christ
... Yes," says one, "but the invitations are made to character ... on a sure foundation,
and find him who is the consolation of Israel and the joy of all his saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/consolation in christ.htm

Joy in Salvation
... enough to make our heart to ring with joy to think ... yourselves", but this was the
covenant he made with us ... life." I believe the perseverance of the saints to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/joy in salvation.htm

That a True Lover Only Loves his Beloved: and of Double Ravishings ...
... Christ inspiring"commonly burst up, and being made now as ... in this pilgrimage God
gives to His saints for meed ... is lift to this, he lives full of joy and virtue ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vii that a true.htm

All Fulness in Christ
... Praise his person, ye saints! ... No joy ever visits my soul like that of knowing that
Jesus is ... Well, if you are willing to receive Jesus, God has made you willing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/all fulness in christ.htm

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... They "rejoiced, for God had made them to rejoice with great joy ... and when the man
has the oil of joy, then in ... They make the deformities of the saints to be their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm

A Sermon for the Time Present
... to the conversion of sinners and the building up of saints; and if ... The Word was made
flesh, and ... rouse themselves to courage, and participate in that joy of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 33 1887/a sermon for the time.htm